The following is from Jet International in India, a wonderful place to get crystals, talisman items, and information regarding the popular “AUM” symbol seen above. I usually use the “OM” interpretation in my public meditations, classes, and writing, but both written words have the same sound and mean the same thing. You will find books on this subject correctly using the words “AUM” or “OM” to help humanity be able to say this ancient Sanskrit sound in meditation.
“AUM” is made up of three Sanskrit letters, AA, AU, and MA, which when combined together, make the sound of “AUM” or “OM.” It is believed to be the basic sound of the world and to contain all other sounds. It is said to be the sound of the universe.
In the Rig Veda, one of the oldest, if not the oldest writings recorded in history, opens with the words, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was “AUM” (or “OM”). Notice this important ingredient is within the word “Shalom,” Peace, a necessary part of creation, as is love manifesting Itself. If we truly want to get back to our roots of who and what we truly are, then getting back to “OM” is the answer.
It is the vibrational frequency of the Sanskrit word you are going for in this type of meditation, the overarching peace prior to the birth of Eternal Universal Life Force Energy manifesting and experiencing all life in and through you and me. “OM” is meant to be said out loud. You instantly feel the vibrations activating everything within you, from your thoughts to your tingling lips. This vibration spreads throughout your entire body like a warm blanket on a cold night. Relax and go with it. It is the vibration that is healing to mind, body, and spirit.
Traditional Yoga sessions often begin and end with sounding the “OM” mantra in the Yoga practice.
Listen for the sound of “OM” in daily life, rhythmically pulsing through life, since nothing is ever completely still. It is the sound of the universe rustling through the leaves, the waves on the shore, and inside of a seashell. Everything pulsates, even if it cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Chanting “OM” allows us to recognize our experience as a reflection of how the entire universe moves, as in the setting sun, the rising moon, the ebb and flow of the tides, the beating of our hearts. As we chant “OM,” it takes us for a ride on this universal movement, through our breath, our awareness, and our physical energy. It is then we can make greater strides to sense the bigger connection that is uplifting, soothing, and healing. All is One.
The “AUM” design can be seen as a symbolic representation of the various psychological compartments of the psyche, an inner dimensional map of the various compartments of the human consciousness and the relationship each one of us has with the divine within ourselves, our personal Spark of Eternal Universal Life Force Energy, the I AM Presence.
The longer lower curve represents the dreaming state.
The upper curve stands for the waking state.
The curve which emanates from the center represents deep sleep, beyond dreams.
The crescent stands for the veil of material illusion.
The dot is the transcendental self.
Namaste